Mouth cancer, or oral cancer, is a type of head and neck cancer that can affect any part of the oral cavity, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and even the throat. The primary risk factors are tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV), and prolonged exposure to the sun, especially in the case of lip cancer.

In the spirit of holistic dentistry, it is my duty to tell you that the effects of mouth cancer extend beyond the mouth. They can have a profound impact on overall health, affecting nutrition, speech, and overall quality of life.

That’s why I advocate for the mantra ‘Learn, Check, Talk, and Educate’ when it comes to oral health care. Learn about the risks and signs of mouth cancer. Know what normal feels like so that you can detect any abnormal changes. Symptoms of mouth cancer can include non-healing sores, red or white patches in the mouth, and difficulties or pain when swallowing.

Check your mouth regularly for any abnormalities. You can do this at home by using a mirror to see the inside of your mouth and feeling the inside with your fingers for any unusual lumps.

Talk to your healthcare professionals. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for early detection of mouth cancer. We dentists can often spot the early signs of mouth cancer, even before you have any noticeable symptoms.

And finally, educate others. Share your knowledge about mouth cancer with friends, family, and loved ones. Encourage them to go for regular check-ups and take care of their oral health.

Remember, holistic dentistry is not just about treating the mouth; it’s about recognizing the role oral health plays in your overall well-being. We understand that everything in the body is connected, and a disease in one part can affect the whole.

Early detection is key in the fight against mouth cancer. By ‘learning, checking, talking, and educating,’ you not only invest in your oral health but in your overall health and well-being. Contact Us for an appointment.

When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, brushing your teeth twice a day is just the tip of the iceberg. As a holistic dentist, I always strive to give my patients a comprehensive view of oral health, and one area that cannot be emphasized enough is interdental cleaning, or the act of cleaning between your teeth.

The small crevices between your teeth are a haven for plaque, a sticky deposit that can build up and harbor bacteria. Your toothbrush may not reach these tight spaces, which is why using interdental cleaning tools is essential. If left unchecked, plaque can harden into tartar, leading to gum diseases and even tooth decay.

What does this have to do with holistic dentistry and overall health?

The mouth is a mirror of the body and offers clues about your overall health. For instance, gum diseases resulting from untreated plaque buildup can lead to serious systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. As a holistic dentist, I know that taking care of your oral health is a critical step in maintaining your overall health.

Various methods exist to clean between your teeth effectively. These include flossing, using interdental brushes, or even a water flosser. But the choice of method should consider your unique oral condition, preference, and comfort.

What’s more, is that interdental cleaning is not just about avoiding diseases, but also about enhancing the quality of your life. Clean teeth contribute to a radiant smile, boosting your self-esteem, and promoting social interactions. A healthy mouth allows you to enjoy the foods you love, leading to better nutrition and overall health.

So remember, maintaining good oral hygiene goes beyond just preserving a beautiful smile. It is a vital part of caring for your overall wellbeing. Don’t just brush; ensure you clean between your teeth and remember – a truly healthy smile is the gateway to a truly healthy life. Contact Us Today to schedule an appointment.

When we talk about oral health, we often focus on teeth and gums, but there’s more to the mouth than these structures. As a passionate advocate of holistic dentistry, I must emphasize an often overlooked but equally crucial aspect of oral health – the lips.

Lip cancer is a form of oral cancer, responsible for approximately 10-15% of oral cancer diagnoses. It’s a concerning disease that predominantly impacts the lower lip and is often linked to excessive sun exposure. However, other significant risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV).

What’s the connection between lip cancer and oral health, you might ask? A comprehensive approach to oral health means ensuring every aspect of your mouth is healthy. Not only are the lips an integral part of the oral structure, but they are also the gateway to the oral cavity. As such, keeping your lips healthy plays a crucial role in maintaining your overall oral health and preventing diseases like lip cancer.

Early signs of lip cancer can include persistent lip sores, lip pain, lumps on the lip, and changes in lip color. Regular dental check-ups are crucial because they allow us, as healthcare professionals, to catch potential warning signs of diseases like lip cancer early on.

As a holistic dentist, I firmly believe that your overall health and oral health are inextricably linked. The mouth is the gateway to the body, and diseases like lip cancer can have implications on your general health, affecting nutrition intake, speech, and even self-confidence.

Therefore, it’s imperative to regularly check your lips for any abnormalities, just as you would check your teeth and gums. Your oral health is more than just a beautiful smile; it’s a window to your overall health and wellbeing.

Remember, oral health extends to every corner of your mouth, including your lips. Regular check-ups, early detection, and a holistic approach to health are the keystones in the battle against diseases like lip cancer. You are not just a patient, but a unique individual whose health and wellness matter, from your smile to your overall vitality.

The holiday season is upon us, a time of joy, family, celebration, and, of course, lots of delicious food. While enjoying these festive treats, it’s important to remember to take care of your oral health. Here are some holistic tips for a healthy Christmas, free from dental problems.

1. Moderation is key: Indulge in your favorite holiday treats, but do so in moderation. Consuming excessive amounts of sugary foods and drinks can lead to tooth decay and other oral health issues.
2. Don’t use your teeth as tools: It’s tempting to use your teeth to crack nuts or rip open packaging, but this can lead to tooth damage, including chipping or breakage.
3. Maintain your oral hygiene routine: Amid the holiday festivities, don’t forget to brush and floss regularly. Maintaining your oral hygiene routine is crucial to keeping your mouth healthy.
4. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help wash away food particles and counteract the effects of sugary and acidic drinks and foods.
5. Visit your dentist: The holiday season is a great time to schedule your dental check-up. This ensures that your teeth are in their best condition for the festive period and allows early detection of any potential issues.

This holiday season, let’s not forget the crucial role oral health plays in our overall wellbeing. Your mouth is not isolated from the rest of your body, and a healthy mouth is a significant step toward a healthy life. Here’s to a festive season that leaves us not just full of joy, but full of health too!

Remember, whether it’s Christmas or any other day of the year, your oral health matters. Every time you flash your beautiful, healthy smile, you’re showing the world a glimpse of your overall health and vitality. Happy Holidays!

While thumbsucking and pacifier use is extremely common with young children, prolonged behavior of this kind can actually produce some repercussions. The consequences of thumbsucking in particular shouldn’t be ignored when taking oral health into account. While young children and toddlers generally perform these actions as a beneficial coping mechanism or way to relieve stress and anxiety, they can have detrimental effects on their oral health in the long run if they continue past the toddler stage. 

Below, we’ll go over what some of these consequences look like, as well as easy ways to stop thumbsucking and pave the way for a better oral future.

Effects of Thumbsucking

As stated before, thumbsucking and pacifier use can certainly benefit a young child, provide ways to cope with anxiety, and can even give parents a much needed night’s rest. However, if a child continues this behavior past the age of four or five, it can have detrimental consequences toward both the development and structure of the child’s teeth and jaw. Some specific effects of thumbsucking include:

• Malocclusion Issues – Thumbsucking can trigger issues with malocclusion, aka a misalignment of the upper and lower teeth. One of the most common malocclusions is referred to as an open bite, which is when the front upper and bottom teeth do not come into contact with one another, even when the mouth is closed. Overbites may also form as a result of malocclusion, which can make biting, chewing, and breaking down foods much more difficult to accomplish.
• Jaw and Face Development Complications – Since a child’s mouth, jaw, and tooth structure are in constant development shortly after their toddler years, extended thumsucking or pacifier use can alter the way these parts develop. Reoccurring pressure from excessive thumbsucking directly alters our orofacial complex, and causes our teeth to shift in an unnatural direction, affecting the child’s overall facial structure.
• Effects on Speech Development – When an open bite, overbite, or other malocclusion occurs from extended thumbsucking, it can have an effect on a child’s speech development. For children who habitually suck their thumbs, their tongue has a tendency to push forward through the teeth, and can contribute to poor tongue control. As a result, children who suck their thumbs are more prone to a lisp or difficulties with S, L, R, and Z sounds.

Easy Ways to Stop Thumbsucking

Thumbsucking and extensive pacifier usage is simply a habit that a child has developed in their early years, and like most habits, these can be altered or prevented through targeted applications. Some easy ways to stop thumbsuckinginclude:

• Limiting when and how often a child can suck their thumbs is perhaps the most productive way to stop thumbsucking. By limiting their ability to do so, you are directly targeting the habit when it’s happening, and keeping the habit to one specific area or time of day.
• Making your child more aware of their habit is another way to help them wean off. When the child knows they shouldn’t be doing it, and is reminded when they do so, it helps them associate a muscle memory to stop performing the action altogether.
• Giving your child a substitute can certainly help in preventing thumbsucking. Offer them something such as a blanket, pillow, or stuffed animal when they’re feeling stressed or anxious, to create a more positive association with those feelings.
• Praising a child’s progress is also beneficial to helping them stop. Why do children suck their thumbs?Because they are coping with their feelings in perhaps the only way they know how to. By praising them on their progress, they can not only lessen the frequency of these habits, but feel better while doing so, alleviating this stress to begin with.

Dr. Hank Barreto Holistic Dentistry

As one of the leaders in holistic dentistry, Dr. Hank Barreto is providing an alternative approach to caring for teeth and gums that focuses on the relationship between the health of the mouth and the health of the rest of the body. We believe that patients should be provided with all of the information that they need to make smart choices about their dental health, and we strive to provide as much of that information as we can.

Get care from a professional Coral Gables dentist whose holistic approach is helping patients beyond their dental health. It’s important to choose the dentist who treats your whole being—not just your teeth. Dr. Hank Barreto has more than 25 years of experience with holistic, biological dentistry, and is always eager to help you meet your health goals. Contact the office of Dr. Hank Barreto to book an appointment today!

Halitosis, otherwise known as chronic “bad breath”, is an extremely common oral condition experienced by thousands around the globe. But, while it’s smelly reputation is well known, what many people may be unaware of is what causes bad breath. Many might be tempted to assume the condition is related to the food we eat, which is certainly true to an extent, but chronic bad breath can also be a sign of certain oral problems, some of which can be dangerous if left untreated. Since nobody wants (or enjoys!) stinky breath, here are some causes of halitosis, as well as some easy tricks you can implement today to help reduce the symptoms.

Symptoms of Bad Breath

The symptoms of bad breath can sometimes go further than a foul-smelling mouth. Often, people may also have a foul taste in their mouth, or other signs of oral issues such as gum soreness or tenderness, and swelling. When bad breath is partnered with these more serious complications, it may be a clear sign that it may be a bigger problem than poor oral hygiene.

Causes of Halitosis

Here’s a general list of what causes bad breath:

• Poor oral hygiene – Halitosis is often caused by a failure to properly care for our mouths, teeth, and tongues. This can be due to a lack of or improper brushing and flossing, poor dietary habits, use of tobacco and alcohol, or letting other oral conditions go untreated such as cavities, all of which contribute to growth of bacteria and lead to bad breath.
• Gum Disease – Certain gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis can cause bad breath, and these conditions are often dangerous if left untreated. They’re usually caused by an excessive build-up of plaque on our gums and teeth, and can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and various infections.
• Dry Mouth – Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a medical condition that may be a side effect of various medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous breathing through the mouth. Saliva works to moisten the mouth, neutralize acids found in plaque, and wash away dead bacteria cells, and when these don’t decompose, bad breath can quickly form.
• Diseases and Illnesses – Some diseases and common illnesses can contribute to bad breath, such as seasonal allergies, respiratory and sinus infections, yeast infections, post-nasal drip, diabetes, acid reflux, and kidney and liver problems.
• Dental Appliances – If someone has had implants, crowns, molds, veneers, or dentures added to their teeth, it may cause bad breath when these are poorly fit or designed. 
• Open-Mouth Sleepers – People who sleep with their mouths open, and especially those who snore or have sleep apnea, may be prone to bad breath.

How to Fix Bad Breath

Knowing how to fix bad breath really comes down to preventative care, and addressing issues as soon as they arise. Committing to proper and healthy oral hygiene and dietary habits can not only help your breath, but your overall well-being. Avoid use of tobacco or excessive alcohol, as these don’t just contribute to halitosis, but cause some of the other, more serious complications. Standard oral hygiene habits to consider include brushing properly and thoroughly twice a day, flossing regularly, using mouthwash when needed, and scrubbing your tongue. 

Another way to fix bad breath is through a more preventative, holistic approach to dentistry, which works to better your entire body along with your mouth and teeth.

Dr. Hank Barreto

As a leading provider of holistic dentistry in South Florida, the dental office of Dr. Hank Barreto is providing patients with exceptional general and restorative dental care. As a holistic dentist, Dr. Barreto finds it vital to approach oral health as an integral part of the body’s overall wellness. 

If you’re looking for the best in preventative dentistry, contact us today to learn more about our services, or to schedule an appointment in our Miami or Coral Gables offices.

Holistic Dentistry Coral Gables, Florida

Holistic dentistry, also recognized as biological or integrative dentistry, is a revolutionary approach to dental care that takes into consideration the health of the whole person, not just their teeth and gums. This approach is rooted in the belief that oral health is interrelated to overall health and well-being, and that dental treatments should be designed to support and foster the body’s innate healing processes.

Dr. Hank Barreto is a highly accomplished and respected holistic dentist who has devoted his career to championing natural and holistic approaches to dental care. One of the key principles of his holistic approach to dentistry is the use of non-toxic materials in dental treatments.

Dr. Barreto sidesteps the use of traditional dental materials that contain mercury or other detrimental substances and instead implements biocompatible materials, such as composite resin for fillings and zirconia or ceramic for crowns and bridges.

Dr. Barreto’s holistic approach to dentistry also emphasizes prevention and minimally invasive treatments. He is keen on identifying and addressing underlying issues that can give rise to oral health problems, such as poor nutrition or chronic stress. Dr. Barreto also advocates regular cleanings and checkups to catch potential issues early on before they escalate.

Furthermore, Dr. Barreto provides a plethora of complementary therapies such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, and nutritional counseling to foster oral health and overall wellness. These therapies can help to address underlying health issues that may affect oral health and promote a healthy and balanced body.

Holistic dentistry in Coral Gables, Florida – Dr. Hank Barreto

At Dr. Barreto’s office, patients can expect a personalized approach that is tailored to their specific needs and health goals. He collaborates with patients to create a treatment plan that addresses their individual concerns and promotes their overall health and well-being.

If you’re seeking a holistic dentist, commence your search by researching online for dentists specializing in holistic or biological dentistry. Be sure to scrutinize reviews and testimonials from other patients to gain insight into their approach to care.

In conclusion, holistic dentistry is a patient-centered approach to dental care that prioritizes health, wellness, and natural healing. Dr. Hank Barreto is a highly accomplished and respected holistic dentist who is revolutionizing the field of dentistry. He is committed to helping his patients achieve optimal health and well-being by promoting natural and holistic approaches to dental care. If you’re looking for a dental care provider who prioritizes your health and well-being, consider experiencing holistic dentistry with Dr. Barreto.

You’ve probably heard it a thousand times, that constant reminder from parents and dentists about the importance of teeth cleaning. That notion doesn’t come without truth, however, and proper dental hygiene cannot be overstated enough. But, how exactly do you clean your teeth the right way, and why is it so important to regularly see a dentist? Well, unless you want to suffer from conditions like gingivitis, tooth decay, or a painful root canal, you just might get excited about your next teeth cleaning appointment.

Below, we’ll discuss more about the benefits of dental hygiene and why it’s so necessary to protect your oral health. 

The Benefits of Dental Cleaning

There are many benefits of dental cleaning, from current hygiene maintenance to overall prevention. Some of the major benefits include:

1. Brighter smile – Dental cleanings remove stains on the teeth left by certain foods and drinks. By polishing up those chompers, you can visibly notice a brighter and whiter smile.
2. Reduced bad breath – While you may already floss to keep your breath fresh and to clean your teeth at home, sometimes it’s not enough. A dental cleaning will take care of those hard to reach places, and provides a healthier mouth with better smelling breath.
3. Less cavities – Cavities are the worst right? They’re annoying and cause pain, but they can easily be prevented by a proper cleaning. When a teeth cleaning dentist removes plaque from your teeth, they eliminate its ability of rotting your tooth enamel, therefore preventing cavities.
4. Tooth loss prevention – Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Basically, when plaque builds up in the gums, it loosens the lining and increases the likeliness of a tooth becoming dislodged. Cleanings remove this plaque and help maintain healthy gums.
5. Boosted overall health – Believe it or not, dental hygiene has a direct link with our overall health outside of the mouth. Cleaning your teeth can prevent certain diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Gingivitis also often brings on other conditions such as coughs, throat irritation and digestive problems.
6. Saves money – Some insurances offer low or no copayments for dental cleanings, so you can regularly schedule these appointments when needed. Many of the issues brought on by poor dental hygiene can lead to expensive procedures and surgeries, so in the long run, you’re saving money by getting your teeth properly cleaned.

Is Teeth Cleaning Necessary?

Cleaning your teeth at home might sometimes seem like it’s doing enough, but plaque and tartar are often hard to detect in the teeth and gums, and for that reason a teeth cleaning is very much necessary twice a year. A dentist appointment also gives an overall look at the health of your mouth, and detects any potential issues from arising. Even more, it’s crucial to keep up the maintenance when at home even after leaving the dentist’s office, so your teeth can stay clean and you can stay healthy.

Holistic Dentistry With Dr. Hank Barreto

Dr. Hank Barreto is the leading holistic dentist in the Miami/Coral Gables area. Our doctors are more than just concerned about your oral health; we want you to feel just as good as your smile. One of the best ways to achieve that is through preventive care. While traditional approaches only focus on treating or diminishing your oral health symptoms, preventative dentistry seeks to prevent and correct underlying issues before they arise. By choosing our leading preventive dental care in Miami, you’ll experience holistic dental treatments that offer long-term benefits and have no potential side effects. Our general care dental services include regular cleanings and other procedures, backed by years of exceptional experience in the field. Choosing Dr. Barreto means that you’ll be in good hands for not only the present, but for the future as well. Learn more about what sets Dr. Barreto apart from other dentists, and contact us today for any questions or comments, or to schedule an appointment

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Gums Shared By Florida Dentist, Dr. Hank Barreto 

Maintaining proper dental hygiene doesn’t have to be challenging, and with health tips from a top Florida dentist, you can keep your mouth bacteria free and your smile shining. Teeth are some of the first things we notice about a person’s outward appearance, and if you want the confidence of a big, bright smile then taking care of your oral health is extremely important. 

Below, we’ll run through some of the leading causes of unhealthy gums, how you help reverse symptoms through treatment, or just outright avoid them.  

National Gum Care Month

As September is National Gum Care Month, there’s no better time to discuss gum problems and how to keep gums healthy. In America, 47.2% of individuals are suffering from gum diseases, while a significant 70.1% of the senior population are victims of periodontal (gums) diseases. 

These numbers imply there is a massive disconnect between people and the knowledge of how to properly take care of oral health.  

How To Fix Unhealthy Gums 

A large number of the population is unaware of the importance of maintaining healthy gums. Dr. Hank Barreto, a top holistic dentist in Coral Gables, can help you take care of your gums and prevent diseases and issues down the road, including:

• Teeth loss
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Diabetes
• Chronic Respiratory issues
• Dementia
• Alzheimer
• Pregnancy complications

The Two Dreaded Gum Diseases

The two most common and deadly gum diseases are:

1. Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common gum disease. On the spectrum of periodontal diseases, it ranks as a mild disease. But if it is not treated on time, it can lead to other serious consequences such as tooth loss.

Cause

The cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene, such as lack of brushing and flossing.

Symptoms

Gingivitis is diagnosed through swollen gums, bad breath, red gums, and tender and bleeding gums.

Treatment

Gingivitis can be reversed by practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, avoiding sugary foods, and dental checkups.

2. Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a severe infection of the gums. It badly damages the gum tissue and destroys the bone supporting the tooth, which results in tooth loss.

Cause

Periodontitis is caused by untreated gingivitis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of periodontitis are:

• Swollen and bleeding gums
• Pus between teeth and gums
• Blood during floss and tooth brushing
• Loss of teeth
• New spaces between teeth

Treatment

Periodontitis is treated through antibiotic medication. In severe cases, surgical treatment like flap surgery, bone grafting, or soft tissue grafting is necessary for strengthening gums and teeth.

When to Worry About Your Gums?

The answer to that is: always. The Florida Dental Association instructs you always to maintain your oral health. You are also advised to notice the changes occurring in your mouth. However, you should immediately call a checkup with your dentist if you observe:

• Teeth and gums discoloration
• Constant pain in teeth and gums
• Constant and incurable gum sores
• Weak or loose teeth

Learn How to Prevent Gum Disease

Gum diseases are troubling, and they should be taken quite seriously. But if you take care of your gums properly, you will never have to worry about them. Regularly follow the instructions given below, and your gums will never trouble you.

• Floss once a day
• Brush teeth twice a day
• Don’t brush teeth more than twice a day to avoid enamel damage
• Get regular dental cleaning checkups 
• Stop smoking
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks
• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Use soothing mouthwash
  

Always Consult With an Expert

In case your gums still trouble you, or if you would like to discuss possible symptoms with a professional, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Barreto. As a highly regarded holistic dentist in the Coral Gables and Miami area, he can apply a special approach to oral healthcare.

When it comes to proper dental care, senior citizens should prioritize their oral health for a variety of important reasons.  Oral health has a direct influence on overall health and with adequate senior citizen dental care, toothaches, gum disease, and tooth loss can be reduced, and possibly avoided, altogether. 

However, in the United States, access to dental care for senior citizens remains a concern because when someone retires, dental coverage stops and Medicare doesn’t cover dental expenses. But there are simple dental care tips for senior citizens one can follow at home and important signs when you absolutely must see a dentist. 

The Importance of Seeing a Dentist for Senior Citizens

Gum disease is common in the elder population, which is why seeing a dentist for senior citizens is so important. This occurs when the gum tissue peels away from the tooth, revealing the tooth’s base, or root. In the case of periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, one can experience painful, bleeding gums, difficulty biting, and tooth loss. 

In order to combat this disease, early detection and holistic treatment from a reputable dentist is the best weapon.

How Often Should A Senior Citizen See A Dentist?

According to the American Oral Association (ADA), each individual is unique and their distinct lifestyle patterns influence their dental health as they get older. Checking for symptoms of oral issues including cavities and gum disease should be a part of a normal bi-annual check-up. 

Seeing your dentist on a regular basis might help you identify symptoms early on before they develop into more serious issues. Regular dental care is especially crucial for ageing elders to avoid deteriorating health issues and serious, irreversible disorders. Therefore, seeing a dentist is a necessary visit once every six months.

Tips For Senior Citizen Dental Care

Senior citizens can keep a healthy oral care routine by following these tips: 

• Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Opt for an electric toothbrush for optimal clean with less manual effort.
• Taking supplements, such as calcium and vitamin D, can support strong teeth.
• Try to eat a low-sugar, low-carbohydrate diet to avoid tooth decay.
• Smoking is one of the most harmful factors for overall health, especially for your teeth, so try to quit smoking.
• Even though flossing constitutes a vital aspect of dental hygiene, many people do not floss on a regular daily basis. Make sure to floss at least once a day. 

Don’t underestimate the care that your teeth need—if you’re searching for senior dental care near Coral Gables, contact us today!  

We understand the importance of senior citizen dental care and provide the best options for the care of your dental health.